how do I activate my microsoft 365

Use the Microsoft account and subscription that were used to purchase Microsoft 365; do not rely on the product key except where specifically required.

1. Confirm the subscription is active
   1. Go to the Microsoft account Services & subscriptions page: https://account.microsoft.com/services/
   2. Sign in with the same Microsoft account used to buy Microsoft 365.
   3. Verify that a Microsoft 365 subscription (for example, Microsoft 365 Personal or Family) is listed and shows as active.
2. Redeem a product key (only if you have a new key)
   1. If a new product key card or code was purchased, go to setup.office.com or Office.com/setup.
   2. Sign in with the Microsoft account that will own the subscription.
   3. Enter the product key and follow the on-screen prompts. This one-time process attaches the license to the Microsoft account.
3. Install Microsoft 365
   1. After redeeming or confirming the subscription, go to the Microsoft account Services & subscriptions page.
   2. Locate the Microsoft 365 subscription and select the option to install Office.
   3. Download and run the setup, then complete installation.
4. Activate Microsoft 365 on Windows
   1. Open any Office app (for example, Word).
   2. When prompted to activate, choose Sign in.
   3. Sign in with the same Microsoft account that shows the active Microsoft 365 subscription.
   4. The app contacts the Office Licensing and Activation services, retrieves the product key, and activates automatically.
5. If prompted for a product key instead of sign-in
   1. Use Sign in with the Microsoft account rather than entering a key, unless using one of the special cases (for example, Workplace Discount Program or volume license) described in the documentation.
6. Keep Microsoft 365 activated
   1. Ensure the device connects to the internet at least once every 30 days so Microsoft 365 can verify the license and extend activation.
   2. If the device is offline for more than 30 days, Microsoft 365 enters reduced functionality mode until it can reconnect and revalidate.

If activation still fails after these steps, use the guided support for activation issues or contact Microsoft support as indicated in the documentation.

References:

• Using product keys with Microsoft 365
• Activate Office for Windows
• Try or buy Microsoft 365
• Overview of licensing and activation in Microsoft 365 Apps